Since things got so bad this year with the flooding, I'm thinking of making changes. Still learning here so maybe some of you can help.
My main field was laid out in rows running east-west, as I recall reading somewhere I should do. But I'm wondering if that may be part of the problem, as my land in that spot slopes from north to south. The furrows between hills built up a lot of water, and many parts of the hills washed away. I was thinking of running the rows north-south next year to provide better drainage. Thoughts?
Also, I have a smaller field for "patches" of things like melons, pumpkins, etc. It has the same drainage issue but no rows. Any suggestions what to change there to improve the drainage conditions?
Planning to incorporate some compost too, especially since I don't know what's been lost with all this year's runoff. Haven't done the soil test yet but will respond appropriately to the results when I get them.
My main field was laid out in rows running east-west, as I recall reading somewhere I should do. But I'm wondering if that may be part of the problem, as my land in that spot slopes from north to south. The furrows between hills built up a lot of water, and many parts of the hills washed away. I was thinking of running the rows north-south next year to provide better drainage. Thoughts?
Also, I have a smaller field for "patches" of things like melons, pumpkins, etc. It has the same drainage issue but no rows. Any suggestions what to change there to improve the drainage conditions?
Planning to incorporate some compost too, especially since I don't know what's been lost with all this year's runoff. Haven't done the soil test yet but will respond appropriately to the results when I get them.